A student and a teacher have both been singled out for honors, Augusta Technical College announced, Monday. Carolyn Thompson, currently enrolled in the school’s Design Media and Production Technology program, was named the 2023-2024 Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Winner.
EAGLE is the Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG) nationally recognized, statewide program that celebrates excellence among students in adult education programs.
Through its Office of Adult Education (OAE), the TCSG sponsors the annual EAGLE Leadership Institute, a two-day event recognizing the accomplishments of high-achieving EAGLE delegates. In March of next year, Thompson will represent Augusta Tech at the Institute.
“It is a blessing for me to tell my story and show others that it is never too late to give up on their hopes and dreams,” said Thompson, who graduated with her GED in June of this year. “I will be forever grateful to the Adult Education Department for believing in me.”
Thompson, nominated by adult literacy instructor Charlene Crane, was selected from among four fellow students for both the acknowledgement and the opportunity to attend the Institute on the college’s behalf.
“This whole experience has been a blessing for me,” she said. “I look forward to representing Augusta Technical College with the utmost respect.”
Should she win the title of Technical College System of Georgia EAGLE Winner, she will serve as the state’s ambassador for adult education, which entails making appearance to the TCSG Leadership Conference and a full two-year scholarship to the technical college of her choice.
Angela Moseley, Augusta Tech’s Dean of Adult Education, looks forward to working with Thompson in the coming months, lauding her determination.
“She never gave up on her dream to earn her GED and that is something I truly admire,” said Moseley. “I am excited for Ms. Thompson and the year she has ahead as our EAGLE Delegate.”
Adult Basic Education teacher Penny Kearney was selected by her colleagues for the Adult Education Department’s 2023-2024 Outstanding Teacher of the Year (OTOY) Award.
The OTOY program honors educators for exceptional performance and contributions to the adult education field.
“I am proud to work at a college that consistently produces high standards and is persistently improving the quality of education in our community,” said Kearney, a grandmother of four who taught first and second grade for 21 years before pivoting to teaching adults, complete with a passion for teaching basic literacy skills. “I look forward to serving as a liaison for ATC and am excited to continue my teaching career.”
As the OAE OTOY Award Winner, Kearney will receive a $2,500 cash award and serve as an ambassador for Adult Education in Georgia, a role that will also include public appearances such as speaking before the TCSG State Board, college presidents, and Georgia’s General Assembly.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
